2nd Sunday of Advent - Year B - Prepare the Way and “More Traditional Christmas Carols”

One of the great mysteries we experience constantly and live with every second—quite literally—is the mystery of time. Advent, in many ways, is the season to reflect on time, especially the time we call “our life”. It is a period for reflection and repentance, mindful that our days are numbered, and that “…the day of the Lord will come like a thief,” as we hear in this weekend’s Epistle (2 Pet.3:8-14).

Advent is also a reminder that the gospel is ever ancient and ever new; the gospel is not just a matter of historical fact, but is also a matter of personal encounter and transformation. Adrienne von Speyr makes a statement that summarizes this Sunday’s readings quite well: “We must always be open in, and to, this beginning.” The work of God is ongoing; the mission of the Son of God continues; the power of the Holy Spirit is real and vital—today.

Just as the prophet Isaiah announced an exile from Babylon and a return to the promised land, the prophet John proclaimed an exile from sin and a fulfillment of the covenantal promises of God. His extreme appearance in the desert was equaled by a radical proclamation of a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” It sent the clear message that everyone—Jew and Gentile alike—must come before God on the same terms.

The goal was deep repentance, or metanoia, which refers to a complete change of thinking, acting, and being. All of this takes time; it all takes place in time. The Advent season is the time to prepare the way of the Lord by repenting of sin and growing more deeply in the divine life granted in baptism.

This weekend, we would like to share our latest video, ‘More Traditional Christmas Carols’, a new collection of eight sacred Catholic and other Christian Christmas Carols celebrating the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Video can be watched by clicking here or on the picture below: